Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Shockers players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Tyson Etienne, a 27-year-old 6'5'' guard who graduated from Wichita State in 2022 and received the All-AAC Third Team award that year, is currently playing professionally in France. In a recent game last Thursday, Etienne, despite his notable performance, was unable to assist Paris Basketball (0-2) to a victory. The team suffered a significant 91-72 defeat on the road against the top-ranked Panathinaikos. Etienne emerged as the top scorer of the game, contributing 17 points in just 19 minutes of play. This season marks Etienne's first year with the team, where he has showcased his skills by maintaining solid statistics of 12.0 points per game, 1.5 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game. Despite the early loss, it is still the beginning of the season, and there is ample opportunity for improvement and success. Etienne's impressive performance against Panathinaikos demonstrates his capabilities on the court, as he displayed his scoring ability, rebounding skills, and playmaking talents, even in the face of adversity.
#2. Cypriot Darral Willis, a 30-year-old center standing at 6'9'' and an alumnus of the Shockers class of 2018, showcased his exceptional skills in a recent game in the Japanese B.Premier League. Playing professionally in Japan for the Toyama Grouses, Willis led his team to a resounding 99-85 victory over the ninth-ranked Brave Warriors. In this impressive performance, he was named the MVP of the game for his remarkable contribution. Willis delivered an outstanding performance on the court, scoring a remarkable 31 points, securing 9 rebounds, and providing 2 assists in 35 minutes of play against the Shinshu BW team. His pivotal role in guiding the Toyama Grouses to victory demonstrated his prowess as a true champion in the league. Despite the team's current seventh-place standing in the Eastern Conference with a 1-1 record, Willis has been a standout player with impressive season averages of 22.0 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game. His consistent high-level performance highlights his exceptional talent and valuable contribution to the team. It is worth noting that Willis, a naturalized Cypriot, continues to excel on the court, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier player and a respected finalist in the league.
#3. Dexter Dennis, a 6'6'' guard who graduated from Texas A&M in 2023 and previously played for Wichita St. between 2018 and 2022, is currently showcasing his skills as a professional basketball player in Japan. Most recently, he led the Shimane Susanoo Magic to a thrilling victory over the 12th-ranked Velca with a score of 85-78 in the Japanese B.Premier League. In this game, Dennis was named the MVP after an exceptional performance where he scored a remarkable 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in just 34 minutes of play. Shimane Susanoo Magic, with a current record of 2-0, holds the fourth position in the Western Conference standings. This season marks Dennis' debut with the team, and he has already made a significant impact with his outstanding contributions on the court. His exceptional performance against Nagasaki, where he scored 27 points, secured 7 rebounds, and provided 2 assists, was instrumental in leading his team to victory. This impressive display of skill and talent has further established Dennis as a champion in the league. Individually, Dennis is having a stellar season, showcasing high statistics with an average of 24.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, and 1.5 assists per game. His exceptional performance and consistent contributions highlight his prowess as a finalist player in the league.
#4. Experienced champion Malcolm Armstead, a 6'1'' point guard at 37 years old and a Shockers alumnus from 2013 who received an All-MVC Honorable Mention award that year, currently plays professionally in Kosovo. In a recent game, Armstead led Sigal Prishtina to a victory over Vellaznimi, one of the league's weaker teams, with a score of 83-71 in the Kosovan ProCredit Superliga on Sunday night, earning himself the title of MVP of the game. In an impressive display of skill, Armstead scored 26 points, secured 4 rebounds, provided 3 assists, and made 3 steals in 34 minutes of play. This game marked his first appearance for Sigal Prishtina this season. Despite this being his debut game, Armstead's stellar performance showcased his unwavering talent and leadership on the court, proving why he is considered a true champion. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Armstead holds both American and Kosovan citizenship, allowing him to compete in Kosovo as a domestic player. With his remarkable skills and contributions, Armstead continues to make a significant impact on his team, currently positioned fourth in the league.
#5. Swedish Kenny Pohto, a 24-year-old forward standing at 6'11'' and a UCSB graduate in 2025, showcased his skills in the Lithuanian Betsafe Lietuvos krepsinio lyga. Despite previously playing for Wichita St. between 2021 and 2024, he now competes professionally in Lithuania. In a recent match against Nevezis, a team struggling with a 0-2 record, Pohto's performance was instrumental in his team's convincing 94-77 victory. He impressively scored 10 points and secured 5 rebounds in just 21 minutes of play, highlighting his impact on the court as a finalist. Currently, Uniclub Casino Juventus Utenos, his team, holds the eighth position in the league standings. Throughout the season, Pohto has maintained an average of 4.0 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game. His consistent contributions both offensively and defensively have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in steering his team towards success, ultimately aiming to secure the coveted title of champion.
#6. Rashard Kelly, a 31-year-old 6'8'' power forward and a Wichita State Shockers alumnus from 2018, currently plays professionally in Turkey. Recently, he competed for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir in a game against Turk Telekom. Despite his best efforts, Kelly and his team fell short, losing a close match with a final score of 73-72. In his debut game for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir this season, Kelly showcased his skills by contributing 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist in 32 minutes of play. Although his individual performance was commendable, he was unable to lead his team to victory against Turk Telekom.
#7. Xavier Bell, a 24-year-old guard standing at 6'3'' who graduated from Wichita State in 2025 and received the All-AAC First Team award that year, is currently showcasing his skills as a professional basketball player in Germany. In a recent game, he proved to be a significant asset for the Nuernberg Falcons BC as they secured a hard-fought victory against the 15th-ranked Lions with a score of 83-79 in the German BARMER 2. Basketball Bundesliga ProA, which is the second division in Germany, held on Saturday night. During the game, Bell displayed his prowess on the court by contributing 15 points in just 22 minutes of play. This performance was particularly impressive considering it was his first game of the season for Nuernberg Falcons BC. In another match against Karlsruhe PS, Bell once again showcased his talent by scoring 15 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and providing 1 assist, all of which were crucial in securing the victory for his team. His exceptional skills and dedication were instrumental in leading his team to emerge as the **champion** of the game, highlighting his importance as a key player for Nuernberg Falcons BC.
#8. Colombian basketball champion Jaime Echenique, a 6'11'' center who is 29 years old and an alumnus of the Shockers from 2020, currently plays professionally in Italy. In a recent game, Echenique made his debut for Reggio Emilia this season but couldn't lead his team to victory against Dolomiti Trentino. Despite his limited playing time of 15 minutes, Echenique managed to score 4 points. However, his team ended up on the losing side with a final score of 83-78. In the following game against Trento, Echenique showcased his skills by contributing 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Despite his efforts, Reggio Emilia fell short and suffered a defeat.
#9. Estonian center Rauno Nurger, standing at 6'10'' and 32 years old, a graduate of Wichita State in 2018, currently playing professionally in Estonia, made a notable impact in the recent game for Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits. Despite scoring only 3 points in 18 minutes, his presence proved crucial in their victory over the closely-ranked Bigbank/Kalev, with a commanding final score of 90-63 in the Optibet Latvian-Estonian Basketball League on Thursday evening. This marked his debut game for Tartu this season. In the matchup against Bigbank/Kalev, Nurger's contribution of 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist played a significant role in the team's success. His performance was pivotal in securing the win, ultimately guiding his team to be crowned as the champion.
#10. Ronnie DeGray III, a 6'6'' forward and former Shockers alumnus from the class of 2025, showcased his skills on the court in his debut game for Ventspils in Latvia. Despite his best efforts, DeGray III could not help his team secure a victory against Valmiera Glass. In the match, he managed to score 5 points in just 9 minutes of play, demonstrating his potential and talent as a player. Unfortunately, Ventspils faced a tough challenge and suffered a defeat, with a final score of 98-76, a margin of 22 points. Despite the loss, DeGray III's performance on the court highlighted his ability and determination as a player, setting the stage for future opportunities to prove himself as a champion.
Other former Wichita State University players, who play in pro basketball:
Craig Porter Jr. (6'2''-G-2000) plays for Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA
Landry Shamet (6'4''-PG-1997, played in 2014-18) plays for New York Knicks in the NBA
Fred VanVleet (6'0''-PG-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Houston Rockets in the NBA
Joe Ragland (6'0''-PG-1989, played in 2010-12) played for M.Raanana in Israeli National League
Gus Okafor (6'7''-F-1999, played in 2022-23) played for Newcastle Eagles in British SLB
Markis McDuffie (6'8''-PF-1997, played in 2015-19) signed for M.Ashdod in Israeli Winner League
Matej Bosnjak (6'9''-C-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Siroki in Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I
Dalen Ridgnal (6'7''-F-2001, played in 2023-24) signed for Queluz in Portuguese Liga Betclic
Justin Hill (5'11''-PG-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for Union NE in Swiss SBL
Quincy Ballard (7'0''-C-2001, played in 2022-25) signed for Sabah in Azerbaijani ABL
Kadeem Coleby (6'9''-C/F-1989, played in 2012-12) played for Rockets in Bahamas NPBA
Clevin Hannah (5'11''-G-1987, played in 2008-10) plays for Lobos in Mexican LNBP
Tekele Cotton (6'2''-SG-1993, played in 2011-15) plays for Lobos in Mexican LNBP
Morris Udeze (6'9''-F/C-1999, played in 2018-22) signed for YKE in Taiwanese PLeague+
Cleanthony Early (6'7''-F-1991, played in 2012-14) plays for Indian Railways in Indian INBL
Conner Frankamp (6'1''-PG-1995, played in 2014-14) plays for Aftershocks - Wichita State Alumni in the The Basketball Tournament
Samajae Haynes-Jones (6'1''-PG-1996, played in 2017-19) signed for Decka Pelplin in Polish 1Liga
A.J. McGinnis (6'4''-G-2001, played in 2024-25) signed for Team Newcastle University in British BCB
Zach Brown (6'6''-G/F-1995, played in 2014-18) plays for Freseros Irapuato in Mexican LNBP
Bijan Cortes (6'2''-G-2003, played in 2023-25) plays for Ads Sentinels in the TBL
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Wichita State University basketball alumni.
|
|
|
Ex-Players
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
